Revka talks about the most beautiful kind of creativity!

Michele at Chasing Contentment thinks about how even painting a bathroom wall can remind us of God’s creativity.

Heather speaks about being creative in the gifts she gives her family, particularly mentioning some of her creative ideas for Valentine’s Day, some recent creative crafts she’s made, and her favorite recipe for whole-grain pancakes.

Giving thanks to God is a wonderful testimony to those around us. Join Susanna as she reflects on the subject of Thanks Giving.

A Dusty Frame shares what she is thankful for on this thanksgiving.

Interestingly, Kim Anderson’s post at Mother-Lode is about being grateful for God’s gifts even when they are hidden and confusing. She invites us to consider the difference between Faith & Insanity.

And of course, I can’t forget my own post about how thankful I am for the WONDERFUL parents God has given me!!!

But the one I would like to mention specifically is my parents. I really could not ask for better parents. My parents and I have (and have always had) a wonderful relationship. I hear so many horror stories about people who have a falling out with their parents, people whose parents are unaccepting or have no respect. Teens who fight with their parents and children who are beaten by them.

Not only are none of these the case for me, but we love each other VERY much, and we have very active, open communication. Most days I feel as though my day isn’t complete if I haven’t at least touched base with Mama and Daddy. More often than not Mama and I have 1/2 hour to an hour conversations every day. There are some days where we may call back and forth 2 or even 3 times in a single day.

I have always felt this way about my parents, but this Thanksgiving I am particularly thankful for them. I graduated college, and they have supported me emotionally and financially. When I was so miserable in the graduate program I was in, they listened to me crying like an idiot over the phone, and then when I said I wanted to drop out, they supported me fully in my decision. I cannot imagine what the past few months would have been like without their love, respect, and assistance.

I aspire to be the kind of mother that my mother is, and I hope to one day find a man as honorable and loving as my father. And if I’m lucky, we’ll be great parents like the ones that I have been so blessed with!

This post is also posted at Suspension of Disbelief, my personal blog!

I am hosting the Carnival of Beauty this week – it’s about thanksgiving! Please submit your post to me by Tuesday at 3PM EST!

I think that hugs are one of the best gifts that we can give. By hugging someone (and I mean really hugging them, not just a fake hug because it’s expected), you are giving of your whole body. Hugs are also one of the most vulnerable positions to be in. Hugging used to be a sign of trust – think about it. If you are hugging someone, how easy would it be for them to stab you, or choke you? Your arms aren’t able to protect yourself, and you don’t have your eyes on the other person. We’re completely vulnerable!

God created us out of love, and He created us to love! When Jesus commands us to love God first and foremost, and then to love our neighbors, a man responds with:

To love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.
Mark 12:33

Jesus’ reply is that “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” By loving others, we become closer to God! Why would we not want to share the snuggles?! Have you hugged someone today? Make it your goal to hug someone every day – it may spread the love!

Read about the Free Hugs Campaign!

It was incredible! I’d never seen anything like it! It seemed like the entire campus was ablaze, and there were crunchy piles of leaves everywhere. People were constantly outside in the cool weather. It was 50 degrees outside, and instead of hiding inside like people do at home, everyone was playing football and frisbee, and every time I turned around there was the smell of someone’s fireplace on, which is one of my favorite smells.

How had I missed this time of year? I had always associated the fall with the end of summer, not as a unique and special time in its own right!

One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

The Lord has created a beautiful place for us to live. It never ceases to amaze me that no matter how petty our lives become, how prejudiced and jaded we become, no matter who is fighting with who . . . God always paints a landscape that I could not even fathom. Go outside, and enjoy autumn while it is here! Appreciate all that God has given to you – it takes no wealth whatsoever to visit the most beautiful art gallery of all.

The Carnival of Beauty is hosted this week by Allison at The Autumn Rain.